Stop PA Anti-Immigrant Legislation (2017-2018)

Starting on the first day of the 2017-18 legislative session, Pennsylvania legislators began introducing bills targeting immigrant and refugee communities. Below is a summary of anti-immigrant bills introduced in PA as of January 2, 2018. You can find information about bills, committee meeting schedules, and your local legislators at: www.legis.state.pa.us.

The attached materials include talking points, social media graphics and other materials you can use when advocating to stop these anti-immigrant bills and pushing legislators to take a pro-immigrant stance.

PA Senate Bills:

Senate Bill 9 (SB9): Requires additional proof of citizenship to obtain public benefits. The primary effect of this bill will be to make it more difficult for low-income US citizens & legal residents to obtain benefits that they are entitled to, including Unemployment Insurance. Senator STEFANO. Introduced 1/20/17.

Senate Bill 10 (SB10): Attempts to punish so-called “Sanctuary Cities” by withholding state grants. The definition of a “Sanctuary City” includes policies that prohibit the enforcement of state or federal laws or policies that instruct law enforcement not to honor immigration orders. Also includes annual certification requirements. Senator RESCHENTHALER. Introduced 1/20/17. Passed Senate on 2/7/17.

Senate Bill 273 (SB273): Attempts to punish institutions of higher education have “Sanctuary Campus” policies by withholding state funding. The definition of of “sanctuary campus” or “disqualifying immigration policy” includes policies that prohibit the enforcement of federal immigration law; refuses access by federal authorities without a warrant, or directs employees not to coordinate with federal authorities. Also includes annual certification requirements. Senator RAFFERTY. Introduced 1/31/17.

Senate Bill 602 (SB602): Would require all government entities to participate in E-Verify. Would also permit municipalities and counties to enact ordinances prohibiting employment of undocumented immigrants and restricting rental of housing to undocumented immigrants. Senator RAFFERTY. Introduced 4/13/17.

Senate Bill 673 (SB673): Would authorize the Pennsylvania State Police to negotiate a memorandum of understanding with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) concerning the enforcement of Federal immigration and custom laws, detention, removals, and investigations in the Commonwealth. This would effectively sign up the state police for the 287(g) program. Senator RAFFERTY. Introduced 5/4/17.

PA House Bills:

House Bill 14 (HB14): Attempts to withhold state funding from “Sanctuary Campuses.” The definition of “Sanctuary Campus” includes policies that prohibit the enforcement of federal immigration law; refuses access by federal authorities without a warrant; or directs employees not to coordinate with federal authorities. Representative KNOWLES. Introduced 1/23/17.

House Bill 28 (HB28):Would hold “sanctuary municipalities” liable for damages caused by the criminal activity of unauthorized immigrants. Would require law enforcement to report anyone they reasonably suspect of being undocumented to federal immigration authorities. Representative WHITE. Introduced 4/3/17.

House Bill 459 (HB459): Would create a civil fine of $5,000 and potentially revoke the professional license for any employer who employs an undocumented worker as defined by the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). Representative DeLUCA. Introduced 2/13/17.

House Bill 826 (HB826): Amends the criminal code to create a felony offense for the possession, use, or attempted use of a benefit transfer device by an unauthorized immigrant. Representative HEFFLEY. Introduced 3/13/17.

House Bill 1095 (HB1095): Would require additional proof of lawful presence in the United States to obtain public benefits. Would create a felony offense for unauthorized possession or use of an access devise. Representative HEFFLEY. Introduced 4/12/17. Passed House on 9/26/17.